A Potential Offseason Shakeup: White Sox Set to Trade Garrett Crochet
In a move that could send ripples through Major League Baseball, the Chicago White Sox are reportedly planning to trade young pitcher Garrett Crochet this offseason. The 25-year-old left-hander, who has become a significant member of the White Sox's rotation, is heading into his two remaining years of team control, yet he may have already pitched his last game for Chicago.
A competitor at the recent GM Meetings indicated that the trade seems all but certain, remarking, "They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when."
Crochet's Impact and Performance
Garrett Crochet has showcased his talent with an impressive 2024 season that has grabbed the attention of many. With 146 innings under his belt, Crochet maintained a 3.58 ERA. However, delving deeper into his performance metrics reveals his dominance on the mound. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) was a remarkable 2.69, significantly lower than his ERA, indicating that his pitching was more effective than his ERA might suggest. His expected ERA stood at 2.83, while his deserved run average was an enviable 2.75.
One of the more standout statistics from Crochet's season was his strikeout rate of 35.1%, leading all pitchers who threw at least 140 innings. Such a high strikeout percentage emphasizes his ability to overpower hitters. Additionally, he maintained a low walk rate of 5.5%, underscoring his control and precision on the mound.
New Arsenal and Pitching Evolution
Crochet's development over the 2024 season included adding new pitches to his repertoire, which seemed to have paid off. Early in the season, he incorporated a low-90s cutter, adding to his effectiveness against batters. More significantly, Crochet introduced an upper-90s sinker later in the season. This sinker proved especially challenging for opponents, who managed just a .154 batting average against it. In his last three starts alone, Crochet threw 36 of his 50 total sinkers, allowing him to capitalize on this late-season adaptation.
The addition of these pitches showcased Crochet's willingness to evolve and adapt, qualities that would undoubtedly make him an attractive asset to other teams across the league.
Post-Surgical Return and Contractual Tensions
Crochet's journey back to the mound has not been without its hurdles. After missing the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, his triumphant return has been nothing short of commendable. His recovery and performance have significantly contributed to his current trade value.
However, an underlying contractual tension might be fuelling his potential exit from the White Sox. Crochet demanded a contract extension as a condition for participating in the postseason, a move that suggests ongoing negotiations between the player and the organization may not have gone as smoothly as hoped. This demand, coupled with the anticipated salary increase from $800,000 in 2024 to a projected $2.9 million in 2025, has likely further complicated his standing with the White Sox.
White Sox Defensive Struggles and Strategic Decisions
The White Sox's struggles aren’t solely from a pitching standpoint. The team was statistically the worst defensively in 2024, which surely contributed to their overall underperformance. While Crochet was more effective against right-handed batters, his impressive stats with a faltering defense behind him would have been even more notable with adequate fielding support.
In light of their defensive woes, the White Sox could be looking to retool their roster to improve in several areas, and dealing Crochet might be a step in that direction. While moving such a promising player may seem drastic, the return they could leverage might provide necessary assets to bolster their weaknesses.
What Lies Ahead
As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on the White Sox to see how they navigate this potential trade. For Crochet, a move could provide a fresh opportunity to thrive in a new environment, while simultaneously allowing the White Sox to strengthen the broader roster.
The baseball world will be watching intently to see where Crochet lands and how the White Sox choose to restructure amid their commitment to growth and improvement. A trade might be imminent, but the ramifications of such a decision will be felt long after the ink dries. With the offseason rapidly approaching, the clock is ticking on what promises to be a significant move in Major League Baseball's winter landscape.